Builders urged to make safety a priority in 2013

Last year
health and safety inspectors issued over 1,000 notices and
written warnings to construction companies performing work
at height unsafely.

Inspectors from the Ministry of
Business, Innovation and Employment assessed more than 1,600
construction sites in 2012 as part of the Preventing Falls
from Height project, which aims to reduce injuries and
fatalities caused by falls in the construction sector.

The project continues in 2013 and construction workers
are urged to make safety a priority in the New Year.

“The Ministry will continue to target sites that carry
out work at height unsafely and those companies that put
their workers at risk,” says Francois Barton, the
Ministry’s Southern Division General Manager.

“We
want to see enforcement figures improving in 2013 – safe
work at height should be standard practice in the
industry.”

“Despite the high number of notices and
warnings issued last year, it has been very positive to see
some construction companies using innovative solutions to
ensure their staff are safe while working at height.
Companies are using adaptive scaffolding systems, mobile
stair systems instead of ladders, and soft landing systems
to stop workers getting hurt from falling off the top
plate.”

“Many of these solutions are also
increasing productivity by improving access for builders and
the tradespeople that work alongside them.”

Builders, roofers, electrical workers, painters and
decorators are the most likely to fall from height and get
seriously hurt while they are working.

“Tradespeople
are going back to work after a few weeks off, so now is the
time for a renewed focus on safety issues,” Mr Barton
says.

Hundreds of construction workers are injured on
building sites every year – these accidents are
preventable if every care is taken. Workers must make safety
a priority, particularly over summer when there is an
overall increase in workplace injury.

“Working long
hours in the sun can take its toll, so it is also important
for workers to look after themselves both physically and
mentally – take breaks and stay hydrated, and keep an eye
on stress and fatigue levels,” Mr Barton says.

“Health
and safety is the responsibility of everyone on the site. We
all have a role to play in improving workplace safety –
doing nothing is not an option.”

More
information on the preventing Falls from height project is
available at http://dol.govt.nz/prevent-falls/index.asp

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